Storing fresh peaches for a long time
We just picked a bunch of peaches off our peach tree this morning. There is additional fruit left on the tree and we already have more than we can eat in the next few days. Is there a process I can use to store these peaches for a long time (freezing or otherwise)?
Best Answer
Freezing
1) Wash and peel the ripened peaches.
Peel them the same way you do tomatoes - boil water, drop the peaches in for 1 minute, then drop them into ice water. The skin should just slide right off. Slice in half and remove pits. You can leave them in halves, quarter them, or slice them. I prefer slices.
2) Mix w/ sugar & ascorbic acid. Dissolve 1/4 tsp ascorbic acid (available in canning section at grocery store) in 3 TB cold water; mix this along with 2/3 cup sugar into each quart of peaches.
3) Pack into freezer containers or baggies, leaving headspace (room for expansion during freezing).
Canning
1) Same as step one above.
2) Fill hot, sterilized canning jars with fruit and hot water (or juice or syrup - syrup), leaving 1/2 inch headspace. You can make canning syrup for peaches by combining 6 1/2 cups water with 3/4 cup sugar.
3) Put on lids and process. You must use a pressure canner for peaches.
4) You'll want to check out this link for processing times, as the time and pressure depends on your altitude and the type of canning pot you use.
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How long can peaches be stored?
To extend the shelf life of fully ripe peaches, place in a plastic bag and refrigerate; for best results, bring the peaches back to room temperature before using. How long do peaches last in the refrigerator? Fully ripe peaches will last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge.Do peaches last longer in the fridge or on the counter?
Ripe peaches are best when eaten right away, but if you have more than you can eat in a single sitting, stash them in the refrigerator for up to a couple days. The cool temperature slows down ripening and prevents the peaches from quickly spoiling.How long will fresh peaches keep in the refrigerator?
The colder temps will slow down the fruit's natural ripening process, and you can keep your peaches in the fridge for up to about 5 days, says Toby Amidor, New York-based registered dietitian and author of Smart Meal Prep for Beginners.What is the best way to preserve peaches?
InstructionsMore answers regarding storing fresh peaches for a long time
Answer 2
Quarter or eighth, lay out on a baking sheet, freeze overnight, and bag. They will keep frozen for a year.
My mom used to make a pie crust and put a bag in the crust, fill with peaches, seal the peach bag, bag the whole thing and stuff it in the chest freezer. Then, in the depths of winter, you could whip out a peach pie in about as long as it takes to bake.
Canning is also good. They can be canned plain, or with a bit of sugar and water.
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